Support structure for convertible tables

ABSTRACT

A removable clamp-on dual leg unit is provided to be used with others to firmly support one or more table tops. The clamping is effected by drawing together paired angles whose respective flanges contact the opposite table top edges and their adjacent undersurfaces, or like formed cutouts in under structures of table tops. Final movement of the clamping angles, each supported on a respective leg top, occurs as the leg tops are pulled together upon torque being hand applied to a lever. The lever turns an eccentric mechanism that is eccentrically rotatably supported on one leg top and is in turn rotatably connected to the end of a cross pull and brace or tie rod which is threadably secured to the opposite leg top. Preceding the final eccentric take up, in reference to table of different widths, starting adjustments are undertaken at the outset to substantially match the particular width of a table top or places of securement thereto, by adjusting the respective threaded connection of the pull, brace, or tie rod to the opposite leg top. The latter adjustment, made only once in reference to a table top of a specific width, is only limited by the thread length and by the deflectability or bending limitations of the upper leg portions as the bottom portions of the legs remain secured together, preferably at a fixed distance apart.

United States Patent [72] Inventor John C. Sherwood 4932 La Crescenta Ave., La Creseenta. Calif. 90670 [21 Appl. No. 797,608 [22] Filed Feb. 7, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 14, I971 [54] SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR CONVERTIBLE TABLES 2 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. C1. 108/153, 108/114, 248/188.8 [51] Int. Cl A471) 5/00 [50] Field ofSearch 108/154, 155,156,153,157,159,64;248/188.91, 188.1, 250, 188.8; 182/186, 226; 269/235, 236

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.339.503 9/1967 Flodell 108/153 2,136,420 11/1938 Edwards 182/226 1,113,864 10/1914 Banks .1 269/236 X FOREIGN PATENTS 84.121 8/1935 Sweden 108/153 173,344 11/1934 Switzerland 248/1881 Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay Assistant Examiner- Peter A. Aschenbrenner Anorney- Roy E. Mattem, .lr.

ABSTRACT: A removable clamp-on dual leg unit is provided to be used with others to firmly support one or more table tops. The clamping is effected by drawing together paired angles whose respective flanges contact the opposite table top edges and their adjacent undersurfaces, or like formed cutouts in under structures of table tops. Final movement of the clamping angles, each supported on a respective leg top, occurs as the leg tops are pulled together upon torque being hand applied to a lever. The lever turns an eccentric mechanism that is eccentrically rotatably supported on one leg top and is in turn rotatably connected to the end of a cross pull and brace or tie rod which is threadably secured to the 0pposite leg top. Preceding the final eccentric take up, in reference to table of different widths, starting adjustments are undertaken at the outset to substantially match the particular width of a table top or places of securement thereto, by adjusting the respective threaded connection of the pull, brace, or tie rod to the opposite leg top. The latter adjustment, made only once in reference to a table top of a specific width, is only limited by the thread length and by the deflectability or bending limitations of the upper leg portions as the bottom portions of the legs remain secured together, preferably at a fixed distance apart.

PATENTEU SEPI 41971 SHEET 1 OF 2 A rrazvsl SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR CONVERTIBLE TABLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Related Inventions This invention relates to supporting structures for easily assembled tables where the table top is quickly secured to the support structure without the direct use of bolts, screws, or other direct fastening devices and without the need for tools.

The support structure is particularly applicable to convertible structural table/wall units disclosed in related applications Ser. No. 342,004; Ser. No. 342,005; Ser. No. 342,006 and Ser. No. 497,903 wherein the convertible structural units are instantly available to be either table tops or wall panels. Also other applications will be explained and shown hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Many convertible and/or folding table structures are known in the prior art, such as card, camping, cart, ping pong, and patio tables. However, prior supporting legs and associated folding or connecting mechanisms generally do not provide for a sturdy and solid leg support to obtain, when wanted, a uniform surface of one or more table ends or halves when they are positioned to make a continuing larger table top. Also in other convertible table constructions, the table structures are generally supported by using their self contained table legs.

Previously in arranging continuous table lay-outs, the abutting of two table top ends was normally accomplished by using two nearby sets of legs or support structures creating generally a close together overall four-leg supporting structure. Moreover, uneveness of the two joining table top ends occurred and remained.

This invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a removable interim support structure having a sturdy frame and self contained adjustable table top clamping fastening means which in seconds firmly secures the table top to it. In addition, table may be quickly supported, using only one support structure between joining table tops, to form a continuous and sturdy table layout having an overall surface that is substantially coplanar.

The support structure of this invention is particularly suited to utilizing presently available hollow core doors or similar slab panels which have been converted or may be converted to use, for example, as banquet tables.

In particular where convertible table/wall structural units are concerned the transformation of a wall panel into a table, or a wall into various groups of tables may be easily and quickly accomplished conveniently by two persons and if necessary, by one person, using the structure of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns support structures, each inclusive of a pair of legs, for removable attachment principally to convertible structural wall/table units as disclosed in the aforementioned applications and also for attachment to table tops of various shapes, hollow core doors and/or similar slab panels. In general, these support structures are most effective in an arrangement of tables for banquets, dinners and displays in meeting rooms where meals are served occasionally in between other functions and where the rooms are often cleared in part or in total. The versatility and simplicity of supporting structure leads to the sturdy assembly of several tables in a few minutes.

In reference to each securing operation, two steps are involved: aligning a table top end on a support; and securing the support to the table top all without using fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc., or employing tools. The securing mechanism incorporated in structural supports are reliable and simple in shape and operation to help produce the overall resulting sturdy table structure.

The structural support for tables comprises: a pair of vertically extending legs which are connected by a cross brace member extending between their respective lower portions; brackets which are mounted on respective top portions of each leg for receiving and then removably holding the table top; an adjustable connecting means which extends between the two legs at their upper end portions below their respective holding brackets. This adjustable connecting means, comprising, in turn, a tension rod having a loop or eye section on one end and a threaded portion on the other end secured to a leg by a nut, and an eccentric cam mechanism lever operated and secured to the other leg to receive the loop of the tension rod.

In operation, adjustment of the tension rod of this connection means extending between the upper portions of the two legs, by turning the nut initially changes the distance between the holding brackets to selected sizes slightly wider than a given group of table top sizes. Thereafter, in reference to a given table top, the eccentric cam mechanism finally shortens the distance between the holding brackets tightly securing the table top.

DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one support structure supporting two adjoining table top ends, the latter shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view under the table showing the supporting structure secured to each edge of a table top; the final clamping handle is positioned horizontally before being pivoted from this released position into its vertical clamping position;

FIG. 3, an enlarged view of some portions shown in FIG. 2 to more clearly indicate the operation of the eccentric mechanism in engaging the table top; the secured positions being shown in solid lines and the released position being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 4 is a top view of one supporting structure before placement under a table top;

FIG. 5, is an isometric exploded partial view of eccentric offcenter cam actuation mechanism, cross brace, pivot connections, bracket and supporting leg;

FIG. 6, is a side view of another use where plurality of supporting structures are staggered to support a two sectional round table top;

FIG. 7, is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 indicating the placement of supporting structures in joining together two sections of a round table top where optional joining blocks are mounted underneath a relatively thin table top;

FIG. 8, is a partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 indicating how paired beveled edge abutment blocks are utilized to guide the top table surfaces of each section into alignment;

FIG. 9, is a side view of a half round table top positioned against a wall and held by supporting structures;

FIG. 10, is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9, further indicating how the half round table is upheld by supporting structures.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the perspective view of FIG. 1, structural support 20 is firmly positioned under large table tops 21 where their two ends 22 and 24 join one another. Table tops 21 are shown in dotted or fathom lines to provide a clear view of structural support 20. Support 20, has two legs 26 which are interconnected by a lower cross brace member 28 that is preferably welded in place at lower portions 30, of each leg 26. At top end portions 32 of each leg 26 a holding or receiving bracket 34 is welded in place to receive a table edge 23. Upright flange 36 of bracket 34 presses against edge 23 of table top ends 22 and 24 holding them firmly together, while maintaining a smooth uninterrupted overall upper surface of end to end table tops 21.

The firm holding force of bracket 34 of supporting structure 20 is achieved by operating adjustable interconnecting sub assembly means 40, which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and again, in part, in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 5. Sub assembly means 40 interconnects the two legs 26 at their upper end portions 32. Included in this subassembly means 40 is an eccentric cam mechanism 42 having a handle 44. Also included is tension cross rod 46. It is adjustably connected to one leg 26 by a threaded end portion 50 which is passed through a hole or slot 51 in leg 26 and then held by nut 52. By adjusting nut 52 along threaded end 50 an initial or predetermined required clearance distance between holding brackets 34 is obtained to fit table tops 21 of a substantially uniform width. The limited clearance, generally in the range of one-eighth to one-fourth of one inch, is subsequently taken up upon operation of eccentric cam mechanism 42.

With respect to such operation as viewed in FIG. 2, lever handle 44 is positioned in its released position where in table top holding brackets 34 are separated sufficiently so a top 21 rests on brackets 34 and gaps 54 exist. Then when final securement is undertaken as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, lever handle 44 is pivoted causing the eccentric cam mechanism 42 to move tensioned cross rod 46, thereby drawing holding brackets 34 into firm contact with table edges thus forming an overall sturdy table construction.

This tightening step centering on operation eccentric mechanism 42 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 with the aid of dotted lines. Moreover in the isometric exploded partial view of FIG. parts are slightly separated to show elements of eccentric cam mechanism 42 and how they are mounted. One leg 26 has a welded pair of spaced bearing brackets 60, 60 each having a hole 62 aligned with the other. A cross pivot pin 64 is aligned to be mounted in holes 62 and to be supported by bearing brackets 60, 60. Before mounting, however, cam 66 with an offcenter hole 68 is rotationally mounted upon axle 64 and then pivot pin 64 is secured by welding. Cam 66 is provided with a circumferentially positioned groove 70. A loop or eye 72 at the other end of tension rod 46, opposite its threaded end 50, rotatably fits into this groove 70. Actuation of handle 44 that is integrally connected to cam 66, which in turn is eccentrically mounted, therefore moves eye 72 and its tension rod 46 either toward or away from the adjacent supporting brackets 60, 60. This movement produces respective selected variations in the distance between opposite upper end portions of opposite legs 26, thereby carrying the mounted holding brackets 34 to and from their firm contact with table edges 23.

In summary, assembling of convertible tables requires positioning or inserting of each table top 21 between respective pairs of holding or receiving brackets 34 and thereafter pulling of handles 44 through arcs slightly more than 90, to firmly secure table top 21 to table support structures 20. During an overall assembly of adjacent table tops, supported by a common structure 20 at their abutting ends the brackets 34 assure alignment of the tables. If necessary, assembly may be accomplished by one person.

An arrangement of round or half round tables may also be supported by like structures 20. In FIGS. 6 and 7, an arrangement is illustrated of convertible round table 80 having two half round sections 82, 84. Structural supports 20 are connected to these bottom halves to draw them together and yet be staggered as a balanced overall support of the table tops. Each table section 82, 84 has multiple spaced table top reinforcing members 88 which in turn are notched at spaced locations. These notches or slots 86 serve in interconnecting structural supports 20 to reinforcing members 88. Respective upright flanges 36 are positioned in respective spaced slots 86, so their corresponding receiving brackets 34 fit reinforcing members 88 in like manner to their securement to table top edges 23 upon operation of eccentric cam mechanism 42.

Where comparatively thin table tops are used, and reinforced at spaced locations, as indicated in FIG. 7, compressive forces resulting upon tightening eccentric cam mechanism 42 may sometimes have a tendency to cause unevenness of joining surfaces at locations where table tops 82, 84 are not reinforced. To insure evenness, as illustrated, in FIG. 8. camming blocks 90 are secured respectively to table tops 82, 84 at their abutting location between reinforcing members 88. Their lower edges contact first and as clamping continues table tops 82 and 84 are matched in their elevation level.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 an arrangement is illustrated of a half round table suitable for location along a wall 102. Again utilizing reinforcing members 88 under a table top 84 or 82, structural supports 20 are positioned so their receiving brackets securely hold outer ends 104 of respective reinforcing members 88 upon operation of eccentric cam mechanism 42.

In regard to all installations padding strips 56 may be used to protect table top finishes and/or also increase friction between table tops and receiving brackets 34. Throughout all these installations and those of similar purpose a resulting firmness substantially equivalent to that of an integral table is sought. It is always obtained upon turning nut 52, as necessary, for tolerance adjustments and thereafter operating eccentric cam mechanism 42 of the operable adjustable interconnection means 40 on each structural support 20.

I claim:

1. A quickly secured and removed support structure for table tops and the like, comprising:

a. a pair of vertical legs interconnected by a cross brace at their lower portions and having holes in their upper portions;

b. a table edge holding bracket, having horizontal and vertical flanges, mounted on the top of each vertical leg;

c. an adjustable tension rod subassembly to interconnect the pair of vertical legs near their upper portions, having: a tension rod with a loop on one end and threads on the other end, the threaded end extending through a hole in the legs; a wing nut threaded on this end to adjust the ef fective length of the rod between the legs and to position the rod end on the outside of the leg; at U" bracket secured to the other leg at a like elevation opposite the location of the wing nut; an eccentric cam to rotatably receive the loop end of the rod; a mounting shaft pin to rotatably position the eccentric cam with respect to the U" bracket; and an operating handle on the eccentric cam used to rotate the cam and thereby to cause the final translating movements of the table edge holding brackets and the upper leg portions in firmly contacting the table edges, the preliminary adjustment movements of the table edge holding brackets, upon initial fitting when necessary, being undertaken by turning the wing nut on the threaded end of the tension rod in either selected rotation, and thereafter, only the movement of the operating handle on the cam is required to secure and release a particular table top at the selected supporting location, which may also involve the firm support of an adjoining table top which is then also supported at the same level.

2. In combination, a table top or the like and a quickly secured and removed support structure, comprising:

a. a table top having depending structures that are inset from the table edges and have vertical and horizontal surfaces;

b. multiple pairs of vertical legs, each pair of legs interconnected by a cross brace at their lower portions and having holes in their upper portions;

c. depending structure holding brackets, each having horizontal and vertical flanges, mounted on the top of each vertical leg;

d. an adjustable tension rod subassembly to interconnect the pair of vertical legs near their upper portions, having: a tension rod with a loop on one end and threads on the other end, the threaded end extending through a hole in the leg; a wing nut threaded on this end to adjust the effective length of the rod between the legs and to position the rod end on the outside of the leg; a U bracket brackets, upon initial fitting, when necessary, being undertaken by turning the wing nut on the threaded end of the tension rod in either selected rotation, and thereafter, only the movement of the operating handle on the cam is required to secure and release the depending structures of a table top at the selected supporting location, which may also involve the firm support of an adjoining table top which is then also supported at the same level. 

1. A quickly secured and removed support structure for table tops and the like, comprising: a. a pair of vertical legs interconnected by a cross brace at their lower portions and having holes in their upper portions; b. a table edge holding bracket, having horizontal and vertical flanges, mounted on the top of each vertical leg; c. an adjustable tension rod subassembly to interconnect the pair of vertical legs near their upper portions, having: a tension rod with a loop on one end and threads on the other end, the threaded end extending through a hole in the legs; a wing nut threaded on this end to adjust the effective length of the rod between the legs and to position the rod end on the outside of the leg; a ''''U'''' bracket secured to the other leg at a like elevation opposite the location of the wing nut; an eccentric cam to rotatably receive the loop end of the rod; a mounting shaft pin to rotatably position the eccentric cam with respect to the ''''U'''' bracket; and an operating handle on the eccentric cam used to rotate the cam and thereby to cause the final translating movements of the table edge holding brackets and the upper leg portions in firmly contacting the table edges, the preliminary adjustment movements of the table edge holding brackets, upon initial fitting when necessary, being undertaken by turning the wing nut on the threaded end of the tension rod in either selected rotation, and thereafter, only the movement of the operating handle on the cam is required to secure and release a particular table top at the selected supporting location, which may also involve the firm support of an adjoining table top which is then also supported at the same level.
 2. In combination, a table top or the like and a quickly secured and removed support structure, comprising: a. a table top having depending structures that are inset from the table edges and have vertical and horizontal surfaces; b. multiple pairs of vertical legs, each pair of legs interconnected by a cross brace at their lower portions and having holes in their upper portions; c. depending structure holding brackets, each having horizontal and vertical flanges, mounted on the top of each vertical leg; d. an adjustable tension rod subassembly to interconnect the pair of vertical legs near their upper portions, having: a tension rod with a loop on one end and threads on the other end, the threaded end extending through a hole in the leg; a wing nut threaded on this end to adjust the effective length of the rod between the legs and to position the rod end on the outside of the leg; a ''''U'''' bracket secured to the other leg at a like elevation opposite the location of the wing nut; an eccentric can to rotatably receive the loop end of the rod; a mounting shaft pin to rotatably position the eccentric cam with respect to the ''''U'''' bracket; and an operating handle on the eccentric cam used to rotate the cam and thereby to cause the final translating movements of the depending structure holding brackets and the upper leg portions in firmly contacting the depending structures of the table top, the preliminary adjustment movements of the table edge holding brackets, upon initial fitting, when necessary, being undertaken by turning the wing nut on the threaded end of the tension rod in either selected rotation, and thereafter, only the movement of the operating handle on the cam is required to secure and release the depending structures of a table top at the selected supporting location, which may also involve the firm support of an adjoining table top which is then also supported at the same level. 